Grip for bows of musical instruments



Aug.- 31 1926. Y 1,598,164

0. E. STANDHARDT GRIP FOR BOWS OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Filed April 30, 1923 y j gwmzmhw 07m .5 JWl/YDl/AAPDT saw Patented Au 31, 1926.

OTTO E. STANDHARDT, OF

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, ASSIGNOR OI ONE-HALF TO WILLIAM BITTER, 0F ATLANTA, GEORGIA. I

can r03 Bows or MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.

Application filed April 30, 1923. Serial No. 635,631.

This invention relates to controllers for bowstof musical instruments, and more particularly to adjustable controllers for violin bows or the like.

The bows of musical instruments, such as violin bows, consist of a wooden stafi having a number of horsehairs or other hair, stretched taut and parallel to the staff. The ends of the horse-hairs are received in a frog which is adjustable on the staff to permit adjustment of the hairs due to changes in climatic conditions and other causes.

In holding a bow, it is customary to place the thumb against the frog. As the frog is moved to loosen or tighten the hair, the position of the thumb is altered and the playing length and leverage of the bow is thus change each time the frog is moved.

An object of the invention is the PIOVlSlOIl of a fixed controller on the bow staff which will remain in a fixed position regardless of the adjustment of the frog.

A further object is the provision of a controller having an oval o ening for the reception of the thumb, w ich opening conforms to and suggeststhe proper oval movement or correct stroke in bowing.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device that may be positioned on the staff to permit and maintain a fixed leverage throughout the entire length of the bow in playing instruments of the violin family.

A further object of the invention is to provide a single device which will fit any size hand without adjustment.

In the form of the invention shown, I provide a s lit'sleeve adapted to surround the staff an having an oval cut-out portion for the reception of the thumb of the user and a raised portion surrounding said outout portion.

In the accompanying drawings, I have shown one embodiment of the invention. In this showing:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a violin bow showing the invention ap lied,

igure 2 is a side elevation of the grlp removed,

Figure 3 is a central longitudlnal sectional view,

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view on line 4-4 of Figure 2, and,

I Figure'5 is a similar view on line 5--5 of Figure 2. e

Referringtothe drawings, the reference numeral 1 designates a violin bow staff havmg a frog 2 arranged adjacent its end. A plurality of strands of hair 3 are secured to the frog. As these parts are of the usual construction, a more detail description there of 1s deemed unnecessary. The frog is ad- ]ustable longitudinally on the staff in the usual manner, to loosen or tighten the hairs of the bow.

The controller forming the subject matter of the present invention consists of a split sleeve l formed of metal or other suitable material and having a substantially ovalshaped cut-out portion 5. Surrounding the cut-out portion, there is provided an extra thickness of material, as indicated at 6. Oppos1te the cut-out portion, the surface of the grip is roughened, as at 7, and the two ends of the grip are provided with raised edges 8.

The use of the device will be apparent from the foregoing description. The sleeve is sprung over the staff and arranged at a desired distance from the frog. It may be adjusted longitudinally of the staff when the frog is adjusted to tighten or loosen the halrs, and may thus be maintained at a uniform distance from the frog at all times, permitting the user of the bow to properly balance it. The user of the bow places his thumb in the oval cutout portion 5 and the surrounding thickness 6 prevents the thumb from becoming accidentally displaced. The fingers S engage the roughened portion 7, which permits the user to maintain a firm grasp on the bow at all times.

By means of the construction shown, having an oval thumb opening and a corrugated surface opposite the thumb opening, it is possible to obtain a secure grip and firm pressure between the end of the thumb and the first joint of the second finger. The size of the grip requires the joint of the second finger to be placed opposite the thumb, whereby the correct rotary motion of the wrist is obtained.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be reeeption of the thumb of the user, and being provided with an additional thickness of matcriai s1:rroumlin; said cut-out portion.

3. A COlltlOlltl' tor hows of musical instru ments comprising a split sleeve of suhstantiall uniform thickness having a StllJStflD tially o al-shaped cut-out portion for the re ception of the thumb oil? the user, and being provided with an additional thickness of material surrounding said cut-out portion, the surface of said sleeve heing roughened oppositc said cut-out portion.

In testimony whereof, I allix my signature.

OTTO STANDHARD'F. 

